Archive for October 25th, 2015

Chicago FD assists CPD with protesters

Oct 25

Posted by Admin in Rescue scene photos | 13 Comments

Tim Olk photo

A protest in Chicago ended in several arrests as police leaders from around the world gathered Saturday at McCormick Place for an annual conference. Demonstrators are demanding racial justice.

Dozens of people were arrested as a result of the protests, most of them from a sit-in in the middle of the street. Their goal was to disrupt the largest gathering of public safety officials of its kind.

Several hundred protesters marched from Chicago Police headquarters at 35th and Michigan to McCormick Place Saturday afternoon, where the International Association of Chiefs of Police gathered this weekend. The conference is the largest of its kind nationwide, with over 14,000 public safety officers in attendance. The protest was organized by community organizations calling on police departments nationwide to change the way they engage with communities of color.

“What we’re looking for today is to have our voices heard, to show the coalition of voices, to show that black lives matter, to make our voices heard to this very powerful organization that sets policies,” said protester Maria Hadden. “We want less money for policing and more money for community services.”

A sit-in was also staged by another group, blocking the road at Cermak and Indiana. Police eventually arrested about a dozen protesters after police say they would not get up.

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tags: Chicago firefighters use saws to separate protestors, International Association of Chiefs of Police, protesters arrested in Chicago, Tim Olk

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District news

Oct 25

Posted by Admin in Fire Department News | 2 Comments

Excerpts from TheDailyHerald.com:

As the Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District marches toward another try at a tax increase, James Gaffney has resigned as president of the district’s board of trustees.

Gaffney confirmed Friday he resigned as president of the fire district earlier this week. He is also a member of the St. Charles Unit District 303 school board, a role that’s eating up more and more of his time. Gaffney will remain on the board but play a lesser role in several big decisions the district will make in the next few months.

Fire district officials are picking through the remains of a failed tax hike request by referendum in April. The move would have increased the taxes paid to the fire district by the owner of a $100,000 home by $48 a year. But that increase would have been phased in over five years. Voters rejected the request by about a 3-to-1 margin.

As trustees prepare to take a second shot at a tax increase, the atmosphere surrounding the question is looking more dire. The finances for the district appear to be reaching a crisis stage. District trustees are set to discuss the possible future discontinuation of ambulance and emergency medical services.

Trustees will elect a new president and discuss the referendum and ambulance service at a meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at fire state No. 3, 34W500 Carl Lee Road, near St. Charles.

thanks Dan

Tags: Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District, Fox River and Countryside Fire/Rescue District, Jim Gaffney